Yapta Yapta Blog

If you think paying an additional fee to check your bags when you fly is absurd, you’re not going to like the latest trend that’s developing with baggage fees.

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air has started charging passengers a $35 fee per flight for carry-on luggage stowed in overhead bins beginning this week.  Allegiant Air becomes the second airline to levy such charges as Spirit Airlines began charging for use of the overhead bin two years ago.

As a result of the news, many travel pundits are now fearing a domino effect and see it only as a matter of time before other airlines will institute similar fees.

The new policy by Allegiant, a lower-cost carrier that predominantly flies to Sunbelt tourist areas, still allows passengers to bring aboard a small personal bag that must fit under the seat.  Larger carry-ons with a maximum weight of 25 pounds, will trigger the new fare.  Heavier bags must be checked and will be subject to a $35 fee if done at the airport and $15 – $30 if done online.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• Ever wonder why you need to take you laptop out and place it in a separate bin when going through security?  Well, so did the New York Times.  Read on if you’re interested in the answer to that question.

• Just when you thought you’ve heard every hotel marketing play in the book – then you hear this…  From April 8-15, the Andaz Wall Street hotel in NYC will have an “Accountant in Residence” filing taxes for guests free of charge.

• According to a new survey, hotel guests would overwhelmingly take Wi-Fi over high-end coffee makers, an iPod dock, video game systems, and workout equipment / DVDs.  (I could have told you that.  No survey necessary.)

There’s been lots of chatter about escalating airfare prices and the heavy cost of summer travel.  Well, while it’s true that travel ain’t cheap, it’s still possible to find a solid deal – if you know when and where to look.  One simple approach is to keep tabs on the “discount carriers” (i.e. JetBlue, AirTran, Virgin America, etc.) and monitor for sales.  Start following these airlines on Twitter (@JetBlueCheeps, @VirginAmerica, @AirTranAir, @SouthwestAir) and you’ll often be alerted to fare sales that aren’t always published elsewhere.  In the meantime, here’s a few other sales you may be interested in knowing about:

• AirTran is currently running a “Stretch Your Budget” travel sale that runs until Thursday, March 29th.  The airline has discounted flights between a number of destinations for travel between April 3rd and June 27th.

• Virgin America is offering some very nice “fares to fly by” including New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) for $140 each way.  Or how about Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) for $89 each way?

• Southwest Airlines today announced a one-day fare sale on flights between four cities: Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Tucson.  These low fares are available until 11:59 PT tonight and are available for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays between April 17 and May 23.

• And if you’re looking for an affordable international flight, Delta is offering flights to Barcelona, Spain (BCN) from New York (JFK) starting at $350 each way when you book by 4/2.  Or check out their Atlanta (ATL) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) flight for $230 each way.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• According to the Associated Press, the agency that operates the three major New York City-area airports wants to start fining passengers who don’t  turn off their cell phones or tablets before takeoff.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey claims they’ve responded to 400 calls involving passengers who refused to turn off their electronic devices (a.k.a. “Baldwining“).

• Qantas said it will operate Australia’s first commercial flights powered by a blend of converted cooking oil and conventional jet fuel starting April 13th on a Sydney-Adelaide return service operated by an Airbus A330.  The aircraft – which can carry about 300 passengers – will use the 50/50 mix in one of its two engines.  Qantas engineers will monitor the engine running on standard aviation gas against the biofuel.  Hopefully some day they can also engineer the engines to make french fries.  Just add potatoes.

• Bruce Schneier, a vocal critic of security measures used by the TSA, was asked to testify before Congress about the TSA’s security screening initiatives – but then was “formally uninvited” after the agency complained.  So much for the freedom of speech.

You can officially say goodbye to Continental Airlines.  United Airlines and Continental recently completed the final strokes of their 2010 merger when they combined passenger reservation data from both airlines into a single computer system.  That means one frequent-flier program and one website – and all tickets will be issued under United’s name only.

The Washington Post reports that, “until now, each airline issued its own tickets, and passengers had to use separate ticket counters.  Now, it will no longer matter which ticket counter travelers go to.  Gate agents should be able to book travelers on flights across the combined airline, which will be a big improvement any time a blizzard or thunderstorm snarls travel.”

While you may still see some airplanes painted with the Continental logo, United has already eliminated its use of the Continental brand and has taken down the “Continental” signs at all 372 airports it serves.  United.com will serve as the website for the combined airline – but you’ll notice that its look and feel is the old Continental.com.

Got any Continental memories – good or bad?  Leave them here for posterity sake.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• Speaking of mergers, there are rumors swirling that U.S. Airways and American Airlines could merge.  U.S. Airways, which recently disclosed that it has hired advisers to help it assess a possible combination with American Airlines, has claimed a number of internet addresses that could come in handy if the two carriers got together.  Try these on for size:   American-USAirways.com, AmericanUSAirways.net, USandAA.com, and OneworldOneairline.com.

• The TSA (foolishly) engaged in a war of words with a blogger over a video he posted entitled, “How to Get Anything Through TSA Nude Body Scanners.”  Check it out and read the comments to his blog post.  They’re quite interesting.

• Much to the delight of tech-minded travelers, Hyatt has become the first major hotel brand to roll out an in-room TV system centered around the Internet. The USAToday reports that within about a year, guests in all full-service Hyatt hotels in North America will be able to log onto their Facebook account or stream a movie from their Netflix account and play the content on their room’s 40-or 50-inch TV screen instead of their smaller laptop screen.  You will also be able to use your laptop, iPad or other device to operate the TV.

There’s no doubting that current economic times can be tough to navigate.  The combination of high unemployment and the high cost of living in some markets has forced a number of young people in their 20’s and 30’s to move back home with their parents.  And there’s a similar phenomenon occurring among younger families when it comes to paying for hotel stays and airfares as well.  With travel prices hanging relatively high, it can be hard for a number of parents to absorb the cost of  quality family time with far-away grandparents.  That said, more and more grandparents are now picking up the travel tab to be with their little bundles of joy.

According to a recent report from the USA Today, a growing number of grandparents are treating family members to vacations they may otherwise struggle to afford.  Apparently, nothing – not even the almighty dollar – is keeping families from being together.  So, the next time mom and dad offer to fly you and kids out for a visit, there’s no need to be embarrassed or proud.  Just know you’re not alone and join the crowd.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• With fuel prices on the rise, so are summer airfares.  According to Deutsche Bank analysts, airlines will respond to higher fuel prices this year by boosting fares, running fewer sales and cutting some flights.  Our advice to you for summer travel is to book as early as possible, before the impact of rising fuel prices reaches a climax.

• Packed planes and a high volume of carry-ons are forcing airlines to expand the space above passenger’s heads.  United and Delta are the latest airlines to replace or upgrade bins so they hold more luggage.  And engineers at Boeing are designing jet interiors with today’s bulkier luggage in mind.  Amen.

• Delta Air Lines passengers will now be able to shop on Amazon.com from 30,000 feet, using their laptops, smartphones and tablets.  The airline announced a deal today with Amazon that will give passengers on Delta and Delta Connection free access to Amazon.com and Amazonwireless.com through the Delta Connect Wi-Fi portal.  Sweet.

PeoplExpress, once the country’s fifth largest airline – is attempting to make a comeback.  Headquartered at Newport News / Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) in southeastern Virginia, the airline plans to offer flights on the East Coast this summer – including destinations such as Pittsburgh, Newark, and West Palm Beach.

PeoplExpress flew from 1981 to 1987 and was known for offering $19 fares.  The airline was eventually swallowed up by Continental Airlines after larger carriers applied downward pressure by lowering their prices.  Continental didn’t maintain the name to PeoplExpress, opening the door for it to be resurrected today.

The airline intends to serve niche markets that are currently under-served or those that have lost service altogether because of industry consolidation.  A number of bigger airlines have pulled out of smaller markets since the recession because flying there wasn’t profitable.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• The Huffington Post recently spotlighted Flamingo Air, a privately chartered airline that provides accommodations for mid-air sex.  Airline reps report that they offer as many as eight flights a day, for one hour at a time.  (Sorry Sting, guess this airline isn’t for you.)  The flight, which costs $425 per hour, includes champagne, chocolate and a “very discreet pilot.”

• The nation’s 16 largest airlines ended 2011 with one of their best records for getting passengers and their bags to their destinations on time.  That’s a trend we all like.

• The next time you’re bored at the airport (especially with kids), fire up this video of John Collins, “The Paper Airplane Guy“.  His paper airplanes will teach you a little something about aviation – and will be sure to entertain.

There’s an urban legend in travel that people flying in cramped economy class have a greater chance of experiencing blood clots – a potentially deadly condition – than do passengers in first class where there’s more room to stretch out.  That legend was debunked recently by the American College of Chest Physicians as they’ve determined that economy passengers are no more likely to develop a blood clot in a leg on long haul flights than passengers in roomier first-class.  And if you stay hydrated, get up and move around the cabin, or do leg exercises at your seat – you are even less likely to develop blood clots.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• The new Boeing Dreamliner – a composite-bodied aircraft that’s 20 percent more efficient than metal-bodied aircraft – just completed a non-stop 7,679 mile flight between Seattle and Bangkok.  Believe it or not, this flight didn’t even touch the record for the Dreamliner, which last December flew around the world with just one stop for refueling in Dhaka, Bangladesh.  The flight from Seattle to Dhaka eastbound was 12, 325.  Amazing.

• Virgin Galactic (yes, Galactic) is on course to become the first commercial spaceliner service (yes, spaceliner service) by this summer. Their flights will take passengers to an altitude of 62 miles to the edge of space, then free-fall to Earth to give passengers a few minutes of weightlessness, a view of the darkness of space and the and the curvature of the Earth below before returning to the ground.

• The Federal Aviation Administration is finally making the leap from radio-based navigation to a modern GPS system. Congress passed a $63 billion bill to fund and extend the FAA’s programs through 2015.  According to the FAA, a satellite-based system would dramatically reduce delays and congestion by streamlining landings and departures.  Under the bill, 35 of the country’s busiest airports have until June 2015 to modernize approaches so pilots can land with GPS.

Want to avoid a flight delay on your next trip?  Well, then avoid flying through New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia airports.  According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, nearly half of all delays in the nation occur at either JFK, La Guardia, Newark Liberty International, Philadelphia International or Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

According to the DOT, a flight is considered “on time” if it leaves or arrives at its gate within 15 minutes of its schedule.  While delays are caused for a variety of reasons, these airports are particularly susceptible to bad weather.  Snow or fog in this region can ground planes for hours in the winter, while summer storms frequently send airline schedules into disarray.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• San Francisco International Airport recently opened a yoga room for harried travelers seeking a moment of peace following airport security.  SFO’s “Zen Room” is available to Virgin America and American Airlines passengers in Terminal 2.

• Starting this past Thursday, the Department of Transportation began enforcing it’s “airfare transparency rule” – meaning airlines and travel agents must now disclose all taxes and fees in their advertised price.  This should put an end to a number of the flights you see advertised for $99 or less.

• A 42 year-old man on a JetBlue flight from Ft. Lauderdale on Newark was arrested this week after smoking pot in the airplane bathroom.  He believed he had done nothing illegal because he has a medical marijuana card.  He simply must have missed that the pilot hadn’t turned off the “no joint” sign.

Some airlines (like Qantas) are complaining because people “weight more than average” and it’s costing them about $472 per plane in extra fuel.  And while it may seem discriminatory, airline advisers are suggesting  to implement some form of  penalty fee for checking in over a certain weight.  At the same time, lighter people would pay less if they were under the limit.

While no airline has instituted such a policy, rumors are swirling that it’s being considered.  Airlines however are sensitive to the backlash that this may generate and do not want to create a thorny situation for check-in staff that interface with heavy customers.  It would also thwart airlines’ attempts to streamline the check-in process and reduce long lines at their terminals.  There’s also a capital cost to building the infrastructure needed to weigh people and their baggage.

No doubt, it’s a heavy issue that’s putting downward force on the travel industry.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• U.S. Airways, Delta Airlines, and private equity firm TPG Capital are among several parties interested in buying American Airlines.  If Delta ever purchased American, it would give them unparalleled pricing power.  Remember, they just purchased Northwest Airlines in 2008 to form the world’s largest airline in terms of scheduled passengers carried.

• If you’re shopping for airfare, you may have notice domestic prices just spiked $20.  Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines filed a price increase of $20 on long-haul flights – a move that was quickly matched by Southwest / AirTran, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, United / Continental and U.S. Airways.  Airlines attempted to raise fares 22 times in 2011, but only 9 stuck.  Several fare hikes were rolled back after other airlines failed to match price increases.

Those of us that travel must really love the TSA service.  You know, the pat-downs, the scans, and the sometimes glaring looks.  Judging by the tips we leave behind, they’re doing an excellent job and you really appreciate it.  What?  You’ve never tipped a TSA agent?  Think again.

You may have contributed to the $376,480.39 in loose change that the TSA collected from the bottoms of plastic bins at security checkpoints in 2010.  Did you leave a few pennies or a nickle behind during your last trip?  Then you’ve left a tip.

According to a report from MSNBC, all the unclaimed pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters are turned over to the TSA  finance office.  After being documented and counted, the money ends up in the coffers of the TSA, which is authorized by law to spend that money as it sees fit.

Lawmakers are now claiming that it’s tax-payers’ money and that the TSA shouldn’t have carte blanche to spend it as they please.  In the meantime, if you feel strongly that you don’t want the TSA capture these funds, make sure you hang on to your change the next time you go through airport security.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• Starting Jan. 26, a new U.S. Transportation Department rule will require airlines to include all taxes and fees in their advertised fares.  Other provisions of the rule – banning post-purchase price increases and allowing passengers to hold certain reservations without payment or to cancel them without penalty for 24 hours after booking – will take effect Jan. 24.  The DOT is also requiring airlines to disclose baggage fees when passengers buy a ticket, mandating that the same baggage allowances and fees apply throughout a journey, and stipulating that those fees be shown on electronic ticket confirmations.

• Two passengers of United Airlines were angry after the airline gave their seats to singer Wyclef Jean just before they were about to board their flight.  United’s flight agent told the passengers that “Political celebrities are treated differently.”  As far as we know, United is the only airline that has a political celebrity policy.

• Travelers are bombarded with offers, deals and price fluctuations on a day-to-day basis, so to help them navigate the maze and save money, Consumer Reports’ came up with some helpful tips to cut costs and lock in the best rates.  One piece of advice that Consumer Reports’ didn’t offer was to use Yapta to track the price of your fight even after you’ve booked.  If the price drops, you could be entitled to a refund from the airline.

Florida-based Spirit Airlines was roundly criticized in August 2010 when it announced that it was going to be the first – and so far only – airline to charge passengers up to $45 in fees to stow carry-on luggage in overhead compartments.  A pair of federal lawmakers even threatened to impose a tax on all airline revenue generated by such fees, a penalty that has yet to be adopted.

But the Los Angeles Times is reporting that an industry consultant on airline revenue has declared Spirit’s carry-on baggage fee a “major success”.  In the 12-month period after Spirit launched the fee, the airline flew 24.5% more passengers compared with the same period in 2009.  And it’s estimated that the airline will earn $50 million in revenue from carry-on bag fees this year.

No doubt such numbers look enticing to executives at other airlines – and while there’s rampant speculation that baggage fees will rise across the board – msnbc.com reports that there’d be an uproar in Washington, D.C.” if that happened.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

• Ever wonder what your luggage experiences after you hand it over to the airline?  Delta Airlines was curious too, so they drilled out a bunch of holes in a box, stuffed it full of video cameras, and sent it on a flight from Atlanta to New York after hitting all the record buttons.  Give it a watch.  It’s pretty cool.

• Here’s an interesting flight safety factoid that will ease your mind:  According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the number of deaths in airline accidents globally is at the lowest level since 2006, the first year for which the IATA reported data in that category.  Through November, 486 people had died in air crashes, compared with the previous low of 502 in 2008.  By these numbers, you’re far safer 30,000 feet above the ground than you are in your car.

• And yet another interesting factoid that will make you scratch your head:  According to SplatF, of the 355 million people who have flown on planes equipped with Gogo’s inflight Wi-Fi since 2008, only 15 million sessions have been logged, which means that only 4% of people are going online.  To put that in perspective, that’s about 2 – 10 people on average who pay for online access during each Wi-Fi enabled flight.  So why the low uptake?  Some think it’s the Wi-Fi quality.